Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday inaugurated four development projects worth Rs5.61 billion in Sahiwal and laid the foundation stone for 10 model agriculture malls across the province.
The inaugurated projects include the Maryam Nawaz Sports Arena, the beautification and renovation of Model Saddar Bazaar, a Model Agriculture Mall and a 27-kilometre dual carriageway linking Sahiwal with Arifwala.
The chief minister received a warm welcome from thousands of residents, including women and children, who showered flower petals on her vehicle as she arrived in the city.
At the Maryam Nawaz Sports Arena, the chief minister inspected the facilities, interacted with players and signed autographs for children. She also played cricket, kicked off a football game and posed for photographs with visitors.
The facility offers paddle courts, cricket and football arenas, a café and other amenities, with an online booking system for the public. Separate timings have been allocated for women during the day and men in the evening, officials said.
The chief minister also inaugurated the Model Saddar Bazaar beautification project. Officials said underground wiring for electricity and other utilities had been installed for the first time in the market. The project also includes an entrance gate, paved walkways, benches, planters and waste bins to improve the shopping environment.
At the Model Agriculture Mall, the chief minister inspected agricultural equipment, including harvesters, planters and drone-spraying machines, and spoke to farmers about the project.
Officials said the facility would provide certified seeds, fertilisers and pesticides under one roof, alongside modern agricultural machinery available for rent.
Farmers would also have access to training programmes, expert advice on pest, soil and crop management, quality-control and testing facilities, financial services and credit support.
The mall includes nine shops, a machinery display area and a training hall.
Under the second phase, 10 additional model agriculture malls will be established in Jhang, Faisalabad, Renala Khurd, Khanewal, Jampur, Burewala, Sadiqabad, Muridke, Pindi Gheb and Mianwali.
The chief minister also formally inaugurated the 27km Sahiwal-Arifwala dual carriageway. Officials said the road would benefit millions of residents across three districts. Elected representatives from Sahiwal welcomed the project and thanked the chief minister for its completion.
During her visit, the chief minister directed officials to expedite other road projects in Sahiwal. She interacted with residents gathered along the route, embraced an elderly woman and posed for a selfie with a young child.
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